Rolls-Royce has unveiled an ultra-luxurious chess set. The design of the chessboard is inspired by the flowing curve of Rolls-Royce cars, the 'Waft Line'. The leather-covered base emphasizes the beauty of the form by rising from the center to both ends, and the piece storage compartment opens smoothly with the press of a button, revealing the chess pieces as if in a ritual. This is reminiscent of the moment when the doors of a Rolls-Royce car are opened and closed.
The chessboard is equipped with precisely hidden magnets to keep the pieces in place without shaking even in an inclined space. In fact, six different types of magnets were tested to achieve the optimal magnetic strength, and drawers are provided on both sides of the board to store spare queens, adding practicality.
The exterior is finished with high-gloss aluminum, and the front and back are engraved with the brand's symbol, the 'Spirit of Ecstasy'. The veneer of the chessboard is made only of wood cut from the same tree, maximizing the unity of the wood grain. The top features a diamond pattern, and the grid area and its surroundings are arranged at 45-degree angles and vertically, respectively, to create visual contrast.
A total of four veneer combinations are available, with a choice of high-gloss finishes (Blackwood with Ceramic White, Macassar Ebony with Royal Walnut) and open-pore finishes (Smoked Eucalyptus with Paldao, Obsidian Ayous with Blackwood). The chess piece storage box and upholstery are available in a choice of 13 Rolls-Royce hide colours, allowing for a bespoke configuration to suit individual tastes.
The chess pieces are made of ceramic-coated aluminum, with a high-gloss metal head. The black pieces have a satin finish, while the white pieces have a subtle iridescent sheen, and their weight and feel in the hand are reminiscent of the metal air vent controls inside a Rolls-Royce.
The Rolls-Royce Chess Set is available to purchase from Rolls-Royce showrooms and private offices worldwide.
